Something I've wondered about..........

[Snadger]

With a possible answer.

Why does garlic need to be planted UNDER the soil? I know it is more closely related to leeks than onions but has a similar rootspan to leeks/onions and shallots, so giving it stability.

To try and answer my own question, I reckon its for the soil to support the stem and prevent wind rock?

That would mean they COULD be grown above ground like a show leek with support, or like a shallot!

Unless you lot know better that is?

[zazen999]

After my garlic experiments last year; I'd say it's because the cloves turn green when exposed to light and we want them white.

[binley100]

Maybe cos garlic is planted before winter so has to shelter from frost and shallots are planted when the weather is meant to be getting better ?

[WeeGarden]

Eurgh... sorry, just reading the posts above... does that mean shallots have to be planted above the soil?

I just buried mine today.

[binley100]

You leave the tips sticking out.

[WeeGarden]

Thanks! I have left a tiny bit of tip poking out to remind me they're there. Buried the rest of the shallot though. Might lift them out a bit tomorrow.

[zazen999]

I'd leave them now Wee. Let them get some roots down. Then in a few weeks, get something like a small dibber and just loosen the soil around them and brush the soil away. I only have the very tips showing until the spring and then just loosen and brush the soil away once they have got going. I find if they are out too far they don't get properly established and can fall over or get pecked out.

They often push themselves out anyway.

[Snadger]

After my garlic experiments last year; I'd say it's because the cloves turn green when exposed to light and we want them white.

Green garlic?............Now there's a novelty!